Recreation drives a forest

Colorado's White River National Forest is a busy
place. It hosts 11 ski areas - two-thirds of the state's downhill
skiing - and attracts about 8.4 million visitors a year (HCN,
12/7/98). Recreation use has boomed, with four-wheel drive devotees
wanting more roads, and cross-country skiers hoping for more huts
for winter use.

Now, a draft of the forest's
15-year management plan, released this August, has sparked
controversy. Vail Resorts, ATV drivers and some mountain bikers
have protested the closing of roads and trails, while some
environmental groups say the agency's preferred plan allows too
much logging and not enough protection for the 2.3 million-acre
forest.

Forest spokesman Lynn Kolund says the
public comment period on the plan, which weighs a hefty 14 pounds,
has been extended from three months to six months. Rep. Scott
McInnis, R-Colo., was among those urging Forest Supervisor Martha
Ketelle to allow more time; he has not taken a position on the
plan's goal of greater protection for the forest and its natural
resources.

The comment period ends Feb. 9, 2000.
A 48-page summary is available from the White River National Forest
Supervisor's Office, P.O. Box 948, Glenwood Springs, CO 81602. The
entire plan is on the web at
www.fs.fed.us/r2/whiteriver/planning.html.